‘We are deeply sorry for the harm and distress caused' - CHI boss faces another grilling at PAC today
Senior executives from Children's Health Ireland (CHI) have struck a contrite tone at the opening of the today's Public Accounts Committee (PAC).
But will it be enough to dampen the interrogation they face from committee members during the proceedings?
"CHI fully acknowledges that we have fallen short of the high standards children and families deserve. We are deeply sorry for the harm and distress caused," said Lucy Nugent, chief executive of CHI, in a statement this morning.
'We want to do better and we are committed to building an organisation defined by openness, compassion, and learning.'
Managers and doctors from Children's Health Ireland (CHI) which oversees the three Dublin children's hospitals are up before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) again today to be quizzed on recent revelations around patient care and use of public waiting list funds.
The Comptroller and Auditor General Seamus McCarthy will also add financial scrutiny.
Speaking ahead of the meeting, committee chairman John Brady said: 'This meeting is the resumption of the Committee of Public Accounts' examination of the CHI 2023 financial statements in May 2023.
'A key focus of our meeting will be the alleged failures in respect of clinical controls , for example medical device implants and the necessity for the number of hip dysplasia operations carried out -as well as delays in carrying out required surgeries.
'In May 2025, Children's Health Ireland (CHI) has published the findings of the Independent External Medical Audit into the clinical thresholds for performing pelvic osteotomy surgeries in children with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) at CHI Crumlin, CHI Temple Street and the National Orthopaedic Hospital in Cappagh (NOHC).
'The audit reviewed 147 random and anonymous cases across the three hospitals. Based on criteria that had been retrospectively applied for the purpose of the audit, the auditor raised concerns about the indications for surgery in many cases in CHI at Temple Street and NOHC.
'We will also discuss the ICT transformation projects to ensure electronic patient records (a national health service pilot project), material non-compliant procurement, the settlement with the former CEO of CHI and other legal costs incurred during 2023.'
Also before the committee is the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) which pays for public hospitals to carry out in-house additional work and also for private hospital care. It is under the spotlight after concerns that it is not keeping proper track of the use of the funding.
In her opening statement CHI chief executive Lucy Nugent has also apologised unreservedly to the families impacted by the Hiqa report showing the use of unauthorised implants during spinal surgery.
She also apologised for the unnecessary use of hip dysplasia surgery in some children and also for the findings of an internal report from 2021 showing misuse of NTPF funds for extra clinics which may have left some children at risk and waiting longer for care.
'I wish to apologise unreservedly. Children, young people and their families were failed and we need to rebuild trust in CHI."
She told the committee: 'I want to speak briefly to the issue of publication of the various reports and the suggestion that CHI has been evasive in reporting or commenting on these issues. CHI is a statutory body and must respect the legal advice we receive, not to mention the moral imperative to protect the confidentiality of patients. We also have a duty to see that matters are properly investigated and that due process is carried out.
'This can sometimes mean that we cannot comment on matters even if they are reported in the media or elsewhere. This does not mean that we are not mindful of the great upset that such reports cause parents and children and the gravity of the issues.
"But I want to assure members that this is never the intention; our intention is always to ascertain the facts and take steps to fix the issues whilst at the same time telling parents and children what we are doing.'
She has spoken of strengthening management. 'In my first 5 months I have worked with the Board and my executive colleagues to enhance our governance structures and stabilise the executive management team with the hiring of a permanent Director of People & Culture, Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operations Officer. The recruitment of a Chief Finance Officer and Director of Quality, Safety and Risk Management has commenced. I am delighted that these high calibre, new colleagues have chosen to join CHI."
Referring to the use of NTPF money for extra clinics held by a consultant in 2021 she said: "There was some misunderstanding in media reports in relation to NTPF payments to a CHI Consultant. I can confirm that the clinics at the centre of the reports did not take place in the consultant's private rooms.
"They occurred in a public clinic, in one of our hospitals, on a Saturday. It was a waiting list initiative for an outpatient appointment only. A longer-term sustainable solution for referral management was put in place and the roll out of this system is ongoing. All services will be on this central referral systems in the coming months.'
She told the committee; 'CHI will, move into the newly named, National Children's Hospital Ireland. In May, we updated you on plans to undertake a programme of commissioning to see our services, finally, move into a building worthy of the children of Ireland, operational to international standards.'
Ms Nugent added; 'For the last six years, we have been building our own organisation for that moment. We are integrating our teams. We are integrating our ways of working. And we are integrating and improving our culture. This is complicated, difficult- but vital.'
Ms Nugent has finished her statement saying: 'We are committed to being open about our challenges as well as our successes.
"We will publish regular updates on our progress in reducing waiting lists, improving outcomes, safety, and strengthening governance.
"We recognise that rebuilding trust will take time. But we are determined to ensure that every child who comes to CHI receives the safest, most innovative and compassionate care possible.'
Eilish O'Regan
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